A DECISION to grant planning permission to eight new flats in Barrow has been deferred after councillors raised concerns about the proposed development.

Barrow Borough Council's planning committee had been due to decide on proposals for a four-storey building containing eight apartments at the corner of Dalkeith Street with Abbey Road in Barrow yesterday.

Plans to construct a four-storey apartment block across from the Nan Tait building in Barrow were submitted earlier this year in July.

READ MORE: Plans to build four-storey block of flats in Barrow

The scheme for the empty site, which sits on the corner of Abbey Road and Dalkeith Street, had been recommended for approval.

However, at yesterday's meeting, concerns were raised by committee members of the height of the building in comparison to neighbouring properties and overcrowding.

The matter was adjourned until the next meeting on Tuesday October 11 to allow for a site visit.

Michael McKenzie, from Bardsea, has submitted the application to build a brick and steel block of flats directly opposite the grade II listed building in Abbey Road.

The plans reveal the block would contain a total of eight self-contained flats - six with two bedrooms and two with one bedroom.

A number of concerns have been raised about the apartment block, including the impact on nearby listed buildings.

One neighbour, who responded to a public consultation, said they believed the development would "severely impact on the current light available" to their balcony.

Another concern raised was the parking situation which one resident described as "critical" at present.

Fears that approximately 14 more vehicles could pose problems for those already struggling to park were cited in the planning documents.

Other concerns which will be addressed at the meeting include noise and sound insulation as well as the overall appearance of the structure and whether it will fit in in an area with a high concentration of listed buildings.